Collins, Maloney to revive bill in Congress to create National Women’s History Museum in DC

By Associated Press
March 31, 2011

WASHINGTON — Two lawmakers are working to revive legislation in Congress to create a National Women’s History Museum in Washington after an earlier effort expired in the Senate.

The House passed a bill in 2009 to create the museum, but time ran out during that congressional session for the Senate to vote.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins and New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney announced Wednesday that they’re introducing legislation to try again.

Organizers want authority to purchase a federal property at 12th Street and Independence Avenue near the Smithsonian Institution to build the museum on the National Mall.

They plan to hold a fundraiser Thursday in New Brunswick, N.J., and will honor the work of former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and other women.